Fire Prevention and Inspections

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odourless, tasteless, and toxic gas. It is often referred to as the ‘silent killer'

When it comes to carbon monoxide safety, we all have a role to play. Carbon monoxide alarms are required outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. Find out what you need to do to help keep you and your family safe.

Signs and Symptoms

Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as: headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, confusion, drowsiness, even loss of consciousness, and in severe cases CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death.

If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home

If you or anyone else in your home is experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning, ensure that everyone leaves the home immediately and close the door behind you. Call your local fire department or 911 from outside the home or from a neighbour's telephone.

Proper Placement

Proper placement of a CO alarm is important. They should be located in or as near as possible to the sleeping area of the home. Where sleeping areas are located in separate parts of the home, an alarm should be provided for each area.

CO alarms can be installed on low or high on the wall, or even on the ceiling. Please read manufacturer's instructions for placement and further information.

To ensure the alarm will work properly, furniture, draperies, or other obstructions to normal airflow should not block it. If a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm is used, it should be located on the ceiling, to ensure that it will detect smoke effectively. All installations must comply with manufactures instructions.

All CO alarms should be tested at least once a month. Remember to change the batteries when you change your clocks!

New Carbon Monoxide Alarm requirements come into effect January 01, 2026

A CO alarm is required:

• Near sleeping areas.

• (New) on every storey of a unit, even storeys without a sleeping area.

If you have any questions regarding the new rules, please contact fire prevention at 705-738-3800 ext. 249.

• Have working Smoke Alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
• If your home has a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage, install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm adjacent to each sleeping area.
• Trent Lakes Fire Rescue provides fire safety inspections upon complaint or request. Members of the public wishing to have an inspection can contact the Fire Department at 705-738-3800 ext. 249.

All smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month. Remember to change the batteries when you change your clocks!

• Ensure your family is prepared should a fire start in your home by preparing a home escape plan and practice it with every member of your family.

• Owner/Tenant Alarm Agreement Form
• Home Escape Plan
• Residential Fire and Life Safety Survey